Re: “North Saanich housing spat splits council,” Aug. 23.
North Saanich council is not split with regard to the need for affordable housing. Council divisions relate to ensuring we meet that objective.
A consultant’s report presented to council on Aug. 19 noted that young families most in need of affordable housing are in the annual income range of $60,000 to $80,000. Affordability for them is housing prices in the range of $300,000 to $425,000, findings consistent with an earlier housing report and other research.
Simply allowing dramatic increases in densities does not, of itself, translate into affordable housing for our target group. The consultant’s report acknowledges this fact.
Under the provincial Local Government Act, council can grant land upzoning to promote affordable housing, and establish community requirements governing land developments to ensure affordability is achieved.
I have consistently, with councillors Elsie McMurphy and Celia Stock, requested that council establish the necessary policies and conditions. This would provide developers with a clear understanding of council’s requirements and objectives to address the housing needs of young families and local employees. To date, the majority on council has rejected all these requests.
I do not agree with fundamental changes to our official community plan and zoning bylaw allowing urban densities in rural North Saanich, without policies in place to ensure that we, in fact, provide affordable housing for the target group, not just high density. That is the issue on which council is indeed split.
Alice Finall, mayor
North Saanich
